Bayon - grey concrete building during daytime
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Bayon

4.8
·13k reviews·Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel in Angkor Thom, captivates with its hundreds of giant, serene smiling faces carved into stone towers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

See monkeys and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Bayon - grey concrete building during daytime

Bayon

Best Time

Early morning

See monkeys and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bayon Temple, a 12th-century marvel in Angkor Thom, captivates with its hundreds of giant, serene smiling faces carved into stone towers.

4.8
(13k reviews)

"Mysterious, majestic, and unforgettable – Bayon's smiling faces are hauntingly beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort!

💧 Stay Hydrated

The Cambodian heat is intense. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your exploration.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Smiling Faces

The Iconic Smiling Faces

Towers

Hundreds of serene, giant stone faces gaze out from every angle, creating a truly mesmerizing and mysterious atmosphere.

Intricate Bas-Reliefs

Intricate Bas-Reliefs

Walls

Detailed carvings depict ancient Khmer life, mythology, and epic battles, offering a glimpse into a lost civilization.

The Labyrinthine Upper Terrace

The Labyrinthine Upper Terrace

Upper levels

A maze of walkways and chambers adorned with statues, offering spectacular views and a sense of discovery.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Mystery of the Smiling Faces

Bayon is famed for its enigmatic stone faces. While less crowded than Angkor Wat, its intricate carvings and ancient atmosphere offer a profound experience. Allow ample time to wander and absorb the details.

Comfort is Key for Exploration

The temple's extensive grounds and uneven surfaces demand comfortable footwear. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing to fully appreciate this architectural marvel.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
See monkeys and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on faces
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

The Cambodian heat is intense. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your exploration. Reddit

📸 Capture the Faces

Bring your camera! The smiling faces are incredibly photogenic from every angle. Reddit

🐒 Morning Monkey Sightings

Visit in the morning for a chance to see playful monkeys around the ruins. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

The Cambodian heat is intense. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your exploration. Reddit

📸 Capture the Faces

Bring your camera! The smiling faces are incredibly photogenic from every angle. Reddit

🐒 Morning Monkey Sightings

Visit in the morning for a chance to see playful monkeys around the ruins. Reddit

⏳ Take Your Time

Don't rush. Allow at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the details and atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(13k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bayon Temple for its unique and mesmerizing smiling faces, intricate bas-reliefs, and less crowded atmosphere compared to Angkor Wat. Many find the temple deeply captivating and a highlight of their Angkor visit, appreciating its mysterious allure and historical depth. Some note the challenging terrain and heat, advising preparedness.

"Less famous than Angkor Wat but in out opinion equally magnificent ! Less expansive and missing the iconic reflection in the pool, but more massive, imposing and carved almost on every surface. The maze of life sized statues at the top of the building is simply spectacular !"

Tony B

"They only started deforesting and excavations in 1993, it's way older than Angkor Wat and you can feel it in your bone's as you traverse this massive site.
Completely captivating!"

Ruff Ryder

"Mysterious, majestic, and unforgettable.

Bayon Temple is one of Angkor’s most iconic and fascinating sites. Known for its massive stone faces carved into towering spires, it feels like stepping into a lost world. Everywhere you turn, another serene face watches over you, it’s haunting in the most beautiful way.

The bas-reliefs are incredibly detailed, showing scenes from ancient Khmer life, mythology, and even battles. It’s less crowded than Angkor Wat but just as awe-inspiring in its own unique way. The energy here is powerful — peaceful yet grand.

Bring good walking shoes, a camera, and take your time. It’s not just a temple, it’s a spiritual and architectural wonder.

Highly recommended for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to feel the soul of Angkor."

Vireak Chandara

What People Like

Mesmerizing smiling faces
Intricate bas-reliefs
Mysterious atmosphere

What People Dislike

Challenging terrain
Intense heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bayon Temple is located within Angkor Thom, a short drive from Siem Reap. You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day, which is a popular and affordable option. Many visitors combine a visit to Bayon with other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Negotiate your fare beforehand to avoid surprises. Reddit

Direct public transport to Bayon is limited. The most common and convenient way to reach it is by hiring a private vehicle like a tuk-tuk or car through your hotel or a local tour operator. This allows for flexibility in visiting multiple sites within the park. Reddit

Most visitors explore Angkor Thom as part of a larger Angkor pass. Hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day is highly recommended, as they know the best routes and can wait for you at each temple. Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights. Reddit

Bayon Temple is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, so you'll need an Angkor Pass to enter. Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days and can be purchased at the official ticket office. Ensure you have your pass with you at all times. Reddit

Bayon Temple is located within Angkor Thom, which is north of Angkor Wat. The journey between the two temples typically takes about 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk. Many visitors visit both on the same day. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Bayon Temple are purchased as an Angkor Pass from the official Angkor Enterprise ticket office located on the road to Angkor Wat. You cannot buy tickets directly at the temple itself. Reddit

Bayon Temple, like most temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, is generally open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest official timings before your visit. Reddit

Angkor Passes are priced for 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), and 7-day ($72) durations (prices are subject to change). The 3-day pass is often recommended for a good balance of exploration without feeling rushed. Reddit

No, advance booking for Bayon Temple tickets is not required. You can purchase your Angkor Pass at the official ticket office upon arrival. However, arriving early at the ticket office can help avoid queues. Reddit

Currently, there are no specific discounts for Bayon Temple itself. The Angkor Pass is the standard entry ticket for the entire archaeological park. Keep an eye on the official Angkor Enterprise website for any updates on pricing or special offers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

To avoid the largest crowds, aim for very early morning (shortly after opening) or late afternoon. The midday hours are typically the busiest, especially when tour groups are present. Visiting during the shoulder seasons can also help. Reddit

Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours at Bayon Temple to fully explore its levels, admire the bas-reliefs, and photograph the iconic faces. If you're a keen photographer or history enthusiast, you might want to allocate more time. Reddit

Dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain and stairs. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the heat. Reddit

Yes, licensed guides can be hired at the entrance to the Angkor Archaeological Park or through your tour operator. Hiring a guide can significantly enhance your understanding of the temple's history, symbolism, and architecture. Reddit

Bayon Temple has many stairs and uneven surfaces, making it challenging for visitors with significant mobility issues. While some areas are accessible, a full exploration might be difficult. Consider a guided tour that can focus on more accessible sections. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The upper terraces offer incredible vantage points for capturing the smiling faces from different angles. Look for openings in the walls and towers to frame shots. The bas-reliefs also provide fantastic photographic opportunities. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography. The soft, golden light enhances the textures of the stone and the expressions on the faces. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park to preserve the historical sites and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest regulations with park authorities before flying a drone. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the towers and faces. A telephoto lens can be good for details in the bas-reliefs. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of other visitors. Reddit

Experiment with different perspectives – shoot from below, look for patterns, and try to capture the faces peeking through archways. Patience is key; wait for moments when crowds thin out in specific areas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bayon Temple offers a sense of wonder that can captivate children, especially the giant smiling faces that seem to watch over them. The temple's maze-like structure can feel like an adventure, encouraging exploration. However, be prepared for a lot of walking and climbing on uneven surfaces, so ensure kids wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The heat can also be a factor, so carry plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day. The playful monkeys often seen in the morning can be a big hit with younger visitors. Reddit

📸 Photographers' Paradise

For photographers, Bayon is a dream destination. The iconic smiling faces offer endless compositional possibilities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The intricate bas-reliefs provide opportunities for detailed shots, capturing the stories etched in stone. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the towers and telephoto lenses for close-ups of the carvings. Be patient to wait for moments with fewer people to get those perfect, unobstructed shots. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

Bayon Temple is a treasure trove for those fascinated by history and culture. The enigmatic faces spark endless theories about their meaning and origin, while the detailed bas-reliefs offer a direct window into 12th-century Khmer life, warfare, and mythology. Consider hiring a licensed guide to unlock the deeper historical and symbolic significance of the temple's architecture and art. Understanding the temple's evolution through different religious periods adds another layer to its rich narrative. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enigma of the Faces

The most striking feature of Bayon Temple is undoubtedly its collection of over 200 colossal, serene faces carved into the stone towers. These enigmatic visages, often smiling or with a subtle, knowing expression, gaze out in multiple directions from each spire. The exact identity of the faces remains a subject of scholarly debate, adding to the temple's mystique. Theories range from representations of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara to portraits of King Jayavarman VII himself, or even a combination of divine and royal imagery. The sheer scale and uniformity of these carvings create a powerful and unforgettable impression on visitors. Reddit

The mystery surrounding the faces is a significant part of Bayon's allure. It invites contemplation and personal interpretation, making each visitor's experience unique. The craftsmanship involved in carving such detailed and expressive features into stone is a testament to the advanced skills of the Khmer artisans. As you wander through the temple's labyrinthine corridors and climb its steep staircases, you'll find yourself constantly encountering these silent, watchful guardians, each with a slightly different nuance in their expression. Reddit

A Journey Through Bas-Reliefs

Beyond the iconic faces, Bayon Temple boasts extensive and remarkably detailed bas-reliefs that adorn its lower galleries. These intricate carvings offer a vivid narrative of daily life, historical events, and mythological scenes from the Khmer Empire. You can witness depictions of bustling marketplaces, agricultural practices, naval battles, and processions, providing invaluable insights into the society and culture of the 12th century. The artistry is so fine that you can almost feel the energy and movement captured in stone. Reddit

These reliefs are not just decorative; they are historical documents etched in stone. They tell stories of the kingdom's triumphs and its people's way of life. Unlike the grander, more overtly religious narratives found in some other Angkor temples, Bayon's bas-reliefs offer a more grounded and human perspective. Spend time tracing the lines and deciphering the scenes – it’s like walking through a captivating ancient comic strip that brings history to life. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Layout

Bayon Temple is a unique architectural achievement, characterized by its central mountain temple design and the distinctive towers topped with faces. Unlike the sprawling complexes of Angkor Wat, Bayon is more compact yet incredibly dense with detail. Its layout features multiple levels, courtyards, and galleries, creating a sense of exploration and discovery as you navigate its passages. The temple was originally built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple, later transitioning to a Hindu temple, and finally back to Buddhist use, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of the Khmer Empire. Reddit

The temple's construction is a marvel of engineering and artistry. The precision with which the massive stone blocks were fitted, and the intricate carvings executed, are astounding. The central sanctuary, though less grand than some other temples, is surrounded by a complex network of chambers and corridors that invite you to get lost in its ancient embrace. The steep, narrow staircases leading to the upper levels add to the adventurous feel of exploring this magnificent structure. Reddit

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